Last Tuesday 13 August, the Year 12 HSC  and IB Dip Visual Arts, Design and Technology, and Industrial Technology final works showcase Objects of Learning, opened to one of the biggest crowds at Concordia Gallery. The exhibition highlighted some of the concepts, ideas, art-making and craftsmanship of this year’s graduating cohort. It is the last practical component of the HSC and IB Dip Programme.

Objects of Learning is the first and last of many opportunities for the boys of Newington College involved in Visual Arts and Design and Technology and Industrial Technology to present their work to their peers. It is also the first time many of them have had their art and design works displayed publicly at Concordia Gallery, allowing them the opportunity to meet with an enthusiastic audience of family, friends, artists and other educators to congratulate them on their efforts and quiz them on their artistic and design process.

In addition to showing their works in a public gallery space, this was the  first opportunity the boys have had to exhibit alongside some of Australia’s most significant contemporary artists including Vernon Ah Kee, Shaun Gladwell, Noel McKenna, Janet Laurence and Julie Rrap. I recently heard that as an artist the measure of your Curriculum Vitae is closely aligned with the calibre of artists that you have exhibited with. In Australia it would be difficult to name five more reputable and internationally acclaimed artists for the boys to present alongside. What an opportunity and stepping stone for their future.

Hannah Chapman
Concordia Gallery Curator